The Ramea Islands: 11 Aug - Ready To Rock (Island)?

After spending most of Tuesday catching up on boat maintenance and, in the evening, enjoying another hearty dinner with Brey and Mark , Ricky, Craig and Jody, and Celine and Jeremy and Sally and Chiquita (yes, they have a large dining table), I departed at 0550 Wednesday morning for the Ramea Islands, 30 NM west and just a few miles off the Newfoundland South Coast. The winds and seas were calm for the entire trip and I was able to evaluate the engine work of the previous day. All went well, and we arrived in the harbor at Ship Cove on Ramea at 1230 local (photo right).

Along the way I passed several tempting harbors and anchorages (photo left) but passing up a good opportunity is required because time is limited: the cruising clock is always ticking and soon we will be making miles toward New Jersey and home. We must avoid difficult weather, so time management is paramount. With that in mind I chose Ramea for several reasons. First, it's a group of inhabited islands just off the Newfoundland coast, and that itself is unusual. It's also a modern and progressive community and I wanted to meet the residents to learn more. Further, on Ramea I can provision well and be prepared to jump off directly to Nova Scotia if the weather cooperates.

Finally, and here's the real reason, there is a music festival this weekend that I definitely want to attend. It's The Rock Island Music Festival (photo right) and I confess I'm a little excited. In fact I checked out the empty venue in advance just to study the layout (photo left).

So, are you ready to rock (island)?